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My definition of family is a group of ppl who haven’t chosen to be together and yet find themselves stuck with one another.  More or less, of course.  Back at home, there are 6 of us in my family.. God’s pretty much kept it consistent out here with the 6 of us, except I now have 2 brothers and 3 sisters..

Jen Den(man) is our fearless team leader, and a natural one.  From what I’ve known of Jen so far, several animal analogies come to mind: early bird, mother hen, work horse and raging bull.  She is up early each day, ready to embrace it and to squeeze out every drop of potential.  She nurtures and makes sure our needs are met before her own.  Jen works hard in a very hands-on way.. she wouldn’t think twice about preparing a meal and then cleaning up (although we as a team shouldn’t, er, wouldn’t allow that to happen).  I also see a fiery spirit in her, ready to act, speak, and pray with boldness.. her prayers always hit the nail on the head in terms of what we’re thinking and what needs to be addressed.  It’s been a privilege serving alongside her and I’m excited to get to know her more, even if it happens to be when she’s sitting on my lap crammed into a car going from one place to another.  Random fact: She’s a Texan and worked at a ranch (pastry chef, how cool), but doesn’t like riding horses.
 Lindsay Hoogendam – the blond beauty who reminds me of light.  That’s really the one word to describe her, and it’s completely fitting that she came up w/ the team name Luminous.  She exudes an inner confidence and grace, yet is down-to-earth and loves to joke around and make faces at me.  Lindsay’s got a head and heart of gold, especially for children.  Kids at VBS just flock to her, grabbing her arm, touching her hair.. she’s in her element in so many moments, without knowing it.  Her faith and passion for God reflect in how she acts, moves, speaks, smiles.  I’m glad to have both a peer and someone I look up to in her.  Random fact: Lindsay grew up practically running a zoo, owning a variety of asnimals and reptiles.
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Dave – more than just the other half of the Hoogs.  Dave’s Canadian, so the “nice guy” aspect can’t be helped, it’s inherent.  But “nice” doesn’t do him justice.. as the tallest guy on the team, he’s that much closer to heaven.  Spiritual cheesiness aside, he’s taken on multiple roles: budget keeper, father figure, protector, designated fruit peeler/cutter, and so much more.  Dave’s incredibly detail oriented and meticulous – he doesn’t do anything halfheartedly.. which really is to our advantage, as he puts care into even peeling fruit.  His organized manner reminds me a lot of my own bro back home.  His devotion and love for his wife, Lindsay, is an example of what a Godly husband should be.  I’m lookin forward to Dave surprising us with more random skills, like how he can break into dance when Kirk Franklin comes on.  Random fact: Dave’s favorite color is purple, and he’s manly enough to admit it.  To prove he’s a man, I’ve learned he killed a rat with his boot while living in Tibet. 
 
Benny Veale– the baby of the group but wise beyond his years.. a force to be reckoned with.  His eyes and his words about God pierce you.  Benny’s a teacher and a preacher-in-the-making.  If he’s not on a pulpit or writing books in a few years, I’ll be both surprised and disappointed.  His face lights up in front of a group – whether it be kids or adults – sharing about how ridiculous God’s love is.  Words he’s used to describe God include “a sweet fragrance” and “delicious.”  I’d use “uncontainable” to describe Benny.  He’s got a gift for prayer, prophecy, preaching that bubbles over…. Words and analogies like him.  So do ppl.  He’s also got a bunch of life stories to tap into… including the fact that he DRANK HIS OWN URINE.  I knew there was a reason Benny was put on my team, ha!  Random fact: He’s broken 4 supposedly unbreakable Nalgene bottles!
 Melissa Betz – prayer warrior and mover and shaker, literally.  She dances and shakes when she’s full of the Spirit, and also as if no one’s looking.  Like my sister Viv at home, she’s sensitive, compassionate and has a heart that breaks for many.  As she says in her own words, she’s a burden bearer..  I love that she is uninhibited in praising the Lord, even if she doesn’t know the language.  She prays violent, urgent, powerful prayers and her faith is as much an open book as her emotions.  Mel was put on the team so we could learn from her artistic and creative nature, and her ability to let loose.. I hope she feels accepted and loved, even tho we don’t all sing and dance and jump (well, I speak for myself).   Team Luminous IS fun, just in a “under the radar” type of fun, heh.  Seeing how she connects through human touch, whether it be a young girl or an old man who’s crippled in a wheelchair, she doesn’t think twice about reaching down to pour love on them…  reminds me of my mom.  Random fact: Melissa’s spine was straightened during training in the DR, further proof that God works miracles in those He loves who have faith to believe.
 
Lastly, there’s me – the Japanese tourist and wisecrack.  So far photos and sarcastic comments are what I am definitely sure I’ve offered… and hey, we need those during the 11 months, right?  Random fact: I’m only just now figuring out how to get to different places in San Juan (which is NOT a big city), like internet cafes and the bakery.  I still can’t walk to the grocery store or outdoor market myself cuz I’d be lost (and luckily I never get to go anywhere alone for safety reasons, woot).  *btw, no children were harmed in the taking of this picture.
Now you’ve met my family..  We’re still kinda on the honeymoon stage but I thought I’d edify them cuz they truly are awesome and unique individuals… maybe I’ll do a year-end update and see how much has changed.  =P
 
Check out Mel’s blog: http://melissabetz.theworldrace.org/?filename=a-photo-gallery-of-hope or her latest, http://melissabetz.theworldrace.org/index.asp?filename=a-day-off-at-the-beach
for updates and pics, since I haven’t uploaded many yet.